In-Depth Analysis
Zimbabwe
The new dispensation has failed to manage an economic turnaround following the ouster of former President Robert Mugabe in 2017. Foreign investment inflows have not materialised to the extent that the Mnangagwa-administration was hoping for. External factors have placed additional pressure on an already-strained economy.
The country faces persistent headwinds. Authorities believe the economy will rebound this year thanks to improved agriculture and mining output – arguably the pillars of the fragmented economy. However, it remains difficult to see how 2020 could be anything other than extremely testing for the government, the people, business, and investment, amid realistic projections of recovery that could well exceed two decades. External factors have placed excess pressure on key sectors, while economic fundamentals have deteriorated markedly over the past year. The current environment does not offer any prospects for meaningful growth, and the near-term outlook remains downbeat. (Source: Zimbabwe Quarterly Update, published February 2020)
Macroeconomic Data
(2019)
|
Fiscal Balance (as a % of GDP) |
-6.9 |
|
Consumer Price Index (% change y-o-y, avg) |
255.5 |
|
Current Account Balance (as a % of GDP) |
-0.1 |
|
Real GDP (annual % change) |
-7.3 |
|
GDP per Capita, US$ |
732.8 |
|
Import Cover (months) |
0.3 |
|
Population, million |
14.7 |
| Total External Debt (as a % of GDP) |
112.5 |